Want To Bet?

September 22, 1985

State Education Commissioner Ralph Turlington's visit here last week has fueled debate about a state lottery to finance education. Mr. Turlington supports a lottery as a way to raise $300 million a year.

We oppose lotteries. The state should not promote gambling. Because the chances of winning are so slim, a state must advertise to make a lottery successful. That is expensive and it is the wrong business for a state to be in. There are no guarantees lottery money will go to education, as Mr. Turlington hopes. In terms of the state budget, the lottery proceeds will be small. Florida would be better off closing loopholes in the sales tax -- for things such as haircuts -- that cost the state millions of dollars each year.

Despite these arguments, lotteries have strong support. What do you think? Is a state lottery a good idea? Fill out the coupon below and send it to: Lake Sentinel, 720 Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, 32778. Or drop it off at the Tavares or Leesburg offices, or the customer service center at the Lake Square Mall.